Thomas Jefferson was sent seed of the "Sweet-scented Marvel of Peru" by Bernard McMahon in 1812. A native of the arid regions of the southwest and Mexico, the Sweet Four O'clock is an intriguing and unusual cousin of the more familiar South American Four O'clock, Mirabilis jalapa, and is as rare in gardens today as it was in 1812. It forms long, three- to four-inch, tubular white and purple flowers that produce a distinctively sweet perfume.

Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Sweet Four O'Clock.

Typical Blooming Dates: July-October
Growth Type: Annual
Blossom Color(s): White
Location at Monticello: West Lawn Winding Walk
Planting Conditions: Full Sun